ACE Agenda
Over the course of four days, Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE) attendees will explore the most pressing challenges facing public pensions and gain actionable insights to navigate them effectively. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field join us.
2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
as of 10/18/25
SUNDAY, MAY 17
| 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM ACE REGISTRATION OPENS |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM FIRST TIMERS MEET & GREET |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM GENERAL SESSION I |
| 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM WELCOME ADDRESS |
| 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EXHIBITION |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM OPENING RECEPTION IN EXHIBIT HALL |
MONDAY, MAY 19
| 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM REGISTRATION |
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| 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM BREAKFAST |
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| 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM EXHIBITION |
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| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM GENERAL SESSION II |
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| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM | |
| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION A |
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| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION B |
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| BREAKOUT SESSION C EXPRESS TALKS (Brief and concise presentations, lasting 30 mins, that deliver key information or insights on a specific topic.) |
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| 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM |
10:25 AM – 10:55 AM |
| 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM EXHIBIT HALL NETWORKING BREAK |
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| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
| 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSION A |
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| 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSION B |
|
| BREAKOUT SESSION C EXPRESS TALKS (Brief and concise presentations, lasting 30 mins, that deliver key information or insights on a specific topic.) |
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| 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | 12:25 PM – 12:55 PM |
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1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
LUNCH & LECTURE |
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| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
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2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION A |
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| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM BREAKOUT SESSION B |
|
| BREAKOUT SESSION C EXPRESS TALKS (Brief and concise presentations, lasting 30 mins, that deliver key information or insights on a specific topic.) |
|
| 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM |
2:55 PM – 3:25 PM |
| 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM SERVICE PROVIDER MEMBERS TOWN HALL MEETING |
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| 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM NATIONAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS |
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| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM NETWORKING RECEPTION IN EXHIBIT HALL |
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TUESDAY, MAY 20
| 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM REGISTRATION |
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| 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM BREAKFAST |
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| 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM EXHIBITION |
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| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM GENERAL SESSION III |
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| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM | |
| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION A |
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| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION B |
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| 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM BREAKOUT SESSION C |
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| 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM EXHIBIT HALL NETWORKING BREAK |
|
| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
| 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSION A |
|
| 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSION B |
|
| BREAKOUT SESSION C EXPRESS TALKS (Brief and concise presentations, lasting 30 mins, that deliver key information or insights on a specific topic.) |
|
| 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | 12:25 PM – 12:55 PM |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM NCPERS AWARDS RECOGNITION LUNCHEON Join us as we celebrate outstanding achievements at the NCPERS Awards Recognition Luncheon! We are thrilled to present the inaugural Pension Partners of the Year Awards, recognizing NCPERS Service Provider members whose innovative contributions have made continuing education exciting, valuable, and accessible to public pension stakeholders. We will also honor exceptional pension funds with the inaugural NCPERS Champions Awards, acknowledging organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to trustee and staff education through active participation in NCPERS programs. |
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| CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | |
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | |
| BREAKOUT SESSION C EXPRESS TALKS (Brief and concise presentations, lasting 30 mins, that deliver key information or insights on a specific topic.) |
|
| 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM | 2:55 PM – 3:25 PM |
| 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM NATIONAL COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONS |
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| 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM NETWORKING RECEPTION |
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
| 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM REGISTRATION |
| 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM BREAKFAST |
| 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM GENERAL SESSION IV |
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8:00 AM – 8:45 A
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| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM |
| 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM |
| 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS
By attending ACE, you can earn up to 13.25 Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state-mandated continuing education requirements. CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account after the conference, where you can log in to download your CE certificate.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not imply an endorsement by the Board regarding the quality of the MET program.
Additionally, NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s requirements to confirm CE eligibility.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF ACE
- Expert-Led Educational Sessions – Covering governance, fiduciary best practices, investment strategies, actuarial trends, and public pension policy updates.
- Keynote Presentations – Featuring thought leaders, policymakers, and economic experts discussing the future of retirement security.
- Peer Led Panel Discussions – Engaging forums for trustees, administrators, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and best practices.
- Exhibitor Hall – Showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading industry providers.
- Specialized Pre-Conference Programs – Featuring NCPERS University Programs, offering in-depth training tailored to new trustees and those looking to advance their fiduciary knowledge and skills.
- Networking Opportunities – Dedicated receptions, luncheons, and social events designed to foster meaningful connections among pension professionals nationwide.
- Continuing Education Credits – Attendees can earn CE credits further enhancing their fiduciary expertise and professional standing.